On the 7th day of Christmas....

I have been taking Stuart to a free YMCA preschool a couple times a week. Here he is squirting green salt water on an ice cube. He has fun there. 

Making bacon jam for Christmas. I saw this recipe on the internet and thought I would try it. I ended up giving it to dad because he said he liked it. 

He will sleep anywhere!

Finished bacon jam!

This was the year of the strobe christmas lights. Grandpa and Thula. 

Too much Christmas cheer. 

Nice weather for a walk downtown. I don't mind a warm Christmas at all!

Chicago Birthday

On December 10th Thula turned 12. She asked me to make her a cheesecake. Happy Birthday Thula we love you. 

For her birthday (and mine) we went to Chicago for a long weekend to see our cousins. We always have a good time with them and are so grateful they live fairly close. 

Elijah (5) and Stuart (3) at Navy Pier Winter Wonderland. 

Stuart is riding the big rocking horse with my cousin Emily's friend. Stuart wasn't shy and he had fun. 

Riding the Ferris Wheel. 

Inside a snow globe. 

Lela ice skating for the first time. She did so good. 

Kaia (7) and Lela (6)

Stuart was tired. 

Little Stuart and I stayed the nights with Missy. She was so generous with us. We love her! Stuart and Missy playing with some toys. 

Helena (9) and Thula snickering in the back seat. 

Stuart and Elijah playing air hockey at an arcade. 

Birthday party at Missy's. 

Mexican restaurant. 

Lela and Kaia coloring. 

Watching movies at Missy's.

Feels like Christmas

I love Nativities 

My dad gave me this Nativity for my birthday this year. 

Lela loves to play with it. 

Thula ready for her christmas orchestra concert. 

Beautiful Christmas moon. 

My little Christmas elf. 

Wearing my new globe necklace from cousin Emily. Thank you!

Bath

Stuart had my phone in the car and there were a hundred selfies just like this one. Aye ya yie!

After a long day all Lela wanted was a warm bath and then she fell asleep. 

Another bath day. They always have a blast in the tub together. 

Neighborhood potluck

Lela's friend from school invited us to her neighborhood Christmas party. It was a lot of fun. 

Lela and Stuart enjoyed the bounce houses. 

Lela and her friend Ava. 

Santa came on the fire engine. 

He told Lela she was a pretty little girl. 

Afterwards we dug into our bowls full of chili. 

"I want...."

The carriage ride was the best part!

Loving a nice sunny day.